What is memory loss?
Memory loss is when you have consistent issues remembering things you could previously recall. It can be either temporary or permanent. Some forms of it are more likely to happen as you age.
The word “memory” describes several interconnected abilities. Those abilities rely on many different areas of your brain working together properly. Memory loss can happen when memory-related brain areas don’t work as they should.
Commonly, memory loss is a symptom of other medical conditions. It’s also important to know that minor memory difficulties, like taking longer to remember things, are typical as you age. If it simply takes longer to remember things but your memory still works, it’s less likely to be a form of disease However, if you’ve experienced something that makes you question if you have memory loss, you’re certainly not alone.
What are the different types of memory loss?
Memory loss can be acute and happen suddenly. It can also be progressive, meaning it happens repetitively and worsens gradually over time.
- Acute memory loss: Commonly known as amnesia, this usually happens because of a sudden illness, injury or other events that disrupt your memory processes.
- Progressive memory loss: This is memory loss that happens gradually. It’s sometimes a symptom of a degenerative brain disease.
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What are the first signs of memory loss?
It’s important to understand that progressive memory loss isn’t just slowed recall. If you can remember things with enough time and without hints, it’s probably not true memory loss.
Memory loss is one of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is when there are notable changes in your memory or other aspects of your cognition, like language. Your daily functioning remains the same, but there’s a noticeable difference. It can be one of the first signs of developing dementia or similar conditions, but it’s not a universal symptom of these diseases.
Progressive memory loss that becomes more severe than MCI can take years before it becomes apparent. But some conditions involve an accelerated version of this, causing memory loss to happen over several months or a few years.
What does memory loss look like?
Again, it’s important to know that true memory loss isn’t just slowed recall. If you can remember things with enough time and without hints, it’s probably not memory loss.
Memory loss can often look like the following:
- Asking the same question multiple times.
- Trouble remembering recent conversations.
- Misplacing commonly used items.
- Missing appointments.
- Forgetting to pay bills or handle other responsibilities.
If these symptoms appear with any of the following, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider:
- Trouble saying or finding the right word (aphasia).
- Having difficulty with tasks you could do previously without issue (apraxia).
- Trouble recognizing things, such as faces or familiar items (agnosia).
- Trouble with impulse control, planning or concentrating attention (executive dysfunction).
FAQs
Here are some tips:
- Learn a new skill.
- Follow a daily routine.
- Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes.
- Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day.
- Stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
Treatment for memory loss depends on the cause. In many cases, it may be reversible with treatment. For example, memory loss from medications may resolve with a change in medication. Nutritional supplements can be useful against memory loss caused by a nutritional deficiency.
What is the most common cause of short-term memory loss? ›
However, most short-term memory loss is a feature of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. Another common cause is stroke or traumatic brain injuries, which may be partially reversible depending on the amount of damage and brain reserve.
What can cause memory to be lost? ›
The most common causes include: Alcohol-related “blackouts.” Aneurysms or brain bleeds. Brain surgery or similar procedures (especially surgeries to remove or scar part of your brain to prevent severe seizures that aren't treatable with medication).
What is the #1 drink for memory loss? ›
Hot Chocolate. Cocoa is rich in flavanols, plant-based substances that help improve attention, processing speed, and memory. A cup of this rich brew might also protect against mental decline, especially in people who are at higher risk for dementia. Stick to dark chocolate, which has more flavanols than milk or white.
What is the number one medicine for memory loss? ›
Donepezil and rivastigmine
Donepezil tablets are by far the most common medication used to treat dementia. Rivastigmine tends only to be used when donepezil causes side effects, or if the person can't take it for medical reasons.
What supplements are best for memory loss? ›
Some research suggests that certain vitamins, such as vitamins B12, D, E, and omega-3, might support good brain function, particularly in people living with dementia.
Can you have a bad memory loss without dementia? ›
Researchers have studied people being assessed for problems with their thinking and memory. Recent figures suggest that, of people going to a memory clinic with such symptoms, as many as one in four don't have dementia. Instead, these difficulties are caused by functional cognitive disorder.
What is one of the first signs of cognitive decline? ›
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember (like sticky notes or reminders). 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years.
What is the 2 finger test in dementia? ›
What is the 2 Finger Test? At its core, the 2 Finger Test involves an examiner performing a hand gesture — typically interlocking fingers in a specific pattern — and asking the patient to replicate it.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
In older people, the first symptoms of pernicious anemia are often confusion, slowness, irritability, and apathy. Other symptoms of pernicious anemia include:Dementia could be a symptom of pernicious anemia, a rare condition caused by low levels of vitamin B12.
When should I be worried about memory loss? ›
Memory loss that is getting worse and interferes with your daily life is not a normal part of aging. Memory lapses—like getting lost while driving on your familiar route to the grocery store or having trouble recalling very recent events—could be something more serious to discuss with a health care provider.
How do I fix lack of memory? ›
Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
- Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. ...
- Stay mentally active. ...
- Spend time with others. ...
- Stay organized. ...
- Sleep well. ...
- Eat a healthy diet. ...
- Manage chronic health problems.
7 Proven Hacks to Boost Your Memory & Smartup Your Study Time
- Engage in your learning. Reading is not the same as studying. ...
- Embrace mnemonics. Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally? ...
- Use flashcards. ...
- Record yourself. ...
- Teach others. ...
- Test yourself. ...
- Get some zzz's.
Some research suggests that certain vitamins, such as vitamins B12, D, E, and omega-3, might support good brain function, particularly in people living with dementia. However, research has yet to definitively conclude that these or other supplements can directly boost your memory.
Can a person recover from memory loss? ›
The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient). Or, it may not go away, and, depending on the cause, it can get worse over time. In severe cases, such memory impairment may interfere with daily living activities.
